Design, Development, and Performance Evaluation of a New Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Air Collector: From Lab Testing to Field Measurements

Over the last decade, market has experienced a growing interest in hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technologies, although more long-term studies are needed before air-based PVT panels fully implemented. In this paper, we present experimental framework developed around an collector, consisting of high-quality photovoltaic laminate and newly designed thermal absorber. The performance collector was measured both lab testing pilot plant during one field operations. Results show almost constant electrical 15–19%, that changes lot, ranged between 15–52% for individual panel 11–35% system 2.5 series (to maximize output temperature). Field operation presents average efficiencies 16–20% with electrical–thermal generation ratio close to 1:1.